Sign-Posting
A core part of the peer supporter tool kit, sign-posting can expand your resource base and help you remember you’re not in it alone.
A core part of the peer supporter tool kit, sign-posting can expand your resource base and help you remember you’re not in it alone.
Sign-posting is all about offering additional options in a clear, supportive, and low-pressure way
One of the most practical tools in peer support is something called sign-posting – the process of pointing someone toward helpful resources, services, or next steps when their needs go beyond what peer support can offer alone.
Sign-posting involves:
The goal of sign-posting is not to “fix” the problem or assume we know what someone should do. Instead, it’s to open up pathways they may not have considered, helping them take the next step that works best for them.
There are a number of situations in which sign-posting can be useful, such as:
People are more open to suggestions when they feel respected and in charge of their own decisions. Sign-posting should feel like an invitation, not a directive or order.
Instead of: “You should talk to a therapist.”
Try: “Some people find talking to a therapist helpful. Would that be something you’d want to explore?”
Offering options rather than instructions empowers others to choose the path that feels right for them. You’re not telling him what to do — you’re showing him what’s out there.
Recognize the Limits of Peer Support: While peer support can be powerful, it’s not a substitute for professional care. It’s okay to say:
“I really care about what you’re going through, and I want to be here for you. But I also think this might be something a professional could really help with.”
“It sounds like this has been getting really heavy, and I want you to know you’re not alone. There’s support out there that could really help. Would it be okay if I shared a few options with you?”
Be Specific: Vague suggestions like “get help” aren’t useful. Share a resource name, a website, or a next step. For example:
“HeadsUpGuys has some great tools that other men have found helpful—would you be open to checking it out?”
Offer Multiple Options: Not everyone is ready for therapy right away. Suggest a few different resources/help options.
Normalize the Process: Remind them that seeking support is not a sign of weakness. You could say:
Respect his Readiness: Not everyone will be ready to act right away, and that’s okay. You can plant the seed by saying:
Engaging in sign-posting can be an ongoing process, and the guy you’re helping will likely have questions along the way. Below are some common questions that might come up, with some tips on what you can say:
How do I know if a therapist is a good fit for me?
A good therapist makes you feel heard and understood, while helping you make meaningful progress over time. If you feel consistently judged or uncomfortable, it may not be the right fit.
What’s the point of going to a doctor if I don’t want meds?
Despite what you may have heard, most doctors won’t just ignore what you say and go right to prescribing medication. A good family doctor or general practitioner will listen to your questions and concerns, and can actually be a great first stepping stone to further mental health resources and professionals.
Who can I reach out to locally?
Most places will have therapists, counsellors, local mental health centres, etc. A great place to start is a simple online search of your city + “local mental health resources.” This question can be a great place to implement the mutual spirit of peer support, by offering to look into local resources together.
I’m worried medication will change who I am. I hear lots of guys get ED from them, is that going to happen?
The honest answer is that medication affects everyone differently. ED is a potential side effect of some common medications, but it’s not a given, and there’s a wide range of options you can discuss with your doctor if you’re worried about specific side effects.
I’m worried that if I ask for help at work they’ll just fire me, where else can I go for help?
All workplaces have different policies in place for mental health, and if a guy doesn’t feel comfortable talking to his employer, you can point him toward other resources like counsellors, men’s groups, or low-cost counselling services.
I don’t even get the point of therapy, why should I spend money on it?
Some guys might not think twice about paying for physiotherapy to recover from a physical injury, but don’t think about mental health in the same way. Frame paying for therapy in the same way you’d pay for physio: recovering from mental health struggles can be just like recovering from a physical injury, and that process can be improved by working with paid professionals. Paying for therapy now can even save you costs over time; seeing a therapist may seem expensive in the short term, but if doing so helps us improve our health so we can keep our job (or not have to go on disability), it will save us money in the long term.
I’ve tried talking about things before and it never works, why should I even ask anyone for help?
Recovery from mental health difficulties is not a straight path, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The blunt truth is that it can take a few different tries to find something that sticks. Remind the guy you’re supporting that things might not improve right away on the first try, but that you’re there to help each step of the way.
I’ve seen a therapist before and it sucked, why should I try it again?
Therapists are people too, and sometimes even if they’re well-trained and highly experienced, they might just not relate well to you. It can take a few tries to find someone who matches your personality and strengths, but once you do find a professional that you click with, the process of therapy can lead to significant improvements.
Too many men suffer in silence. Become a peer supporter for the men in your life.
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